Toyota Highlander Vs Jeep Compass: Which Suv Reigns Supreme In 2023?

The Toyota Highlander and Jeep Compass are two popular SUVs that offer a blend of versatility, capability, and comfort. But which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Toyota Highlander against the Jeep Compass to help you make an informed decision. We’ll delve into their key features, performance, safety, and overall value to determine which SUV emerges victorious.

Performance: Power and Efficiency Under the Hood

The Toyota Highlander offers two powertrain options: a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, and a hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors for a total system output of 243 horsepower. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Highlander’s V6 engine provides ample power for everyday driving and highway cruising, while the hybrid powertrain delivers impressive fuel efficiency, achieving up to 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

The Jeep Compass, on the other hand, comes standard with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. A more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 230 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque is available as an upgrade. Both engines are paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Compass’s base engine provides adequate power for city driving, but it can feel strained when tackling hills or merging onto highways. The turbocharged engine offers more muscle, making it a better choice for those seeking a more spirited driving experience. In terms of fuel economy, the Compass’s base engine returns up to 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged engine achieves up to 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

Capability: Off-Road Prowess and Towing Capacity

When it comes to off-road capability, the Jeep Compass has a slight edge over the Toyota Highlander. The Compass features a four-wheel-drive system with a low-range transfer case, which provides better traction and control in challenging off-road conditions. It also boasts a higher ground clearance of 8.2 inches compared to the Highlander’s 8.1 inches. However, both SUVs offer similar approach, departure, and breakover angles, making them capable of tackling moderate off-road trails.

Regarding towing capacity, the Toyota Highlander takes the lead. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, while the Jeep Compass can only tow up to 2,000 pounds. This makes the Highlander a better choice for those who need to tow heavy loads, such as boats or trailers.

Safety: Advanced Technologies for Peace of Mind

Both the Toyota Highlander and Jeep Compass offer a comprehensive suite of safety features to protect occupants in the event of a collision. Standard safety features on both SUVs include airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control. The Highlander adds a few more advanced features as standard, such as lane departure alert, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Compass, on the other hand, offers these features as part of an optional safety package.

In terms of crash test ratings, both SUVs have received high marks from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Highlander earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, while the Compass received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS.

Comfort and Convenience: Interior Refinement and Features

The Toyota Highlander and Jeep Compass offer spacious and comfortable interiors with seating for up to seven passengers. The Highlander’s cabin is more upscale and refined, with high-quality materials and a well-designed layout. It also offers more legroom and headroom in both rows of seats, making it a better choice for taller passengers. The Compass’s interior is more rugged and utilitarian, with a focus on durability and functionality. It offers decent space for passengers, but it can feel cramped for taller individuals.

Both SUVs come standard with a range of comfort and convenience features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. The Highlander’s infotainment system is more user-friendly and responsive, while the Compass’s system can be somewhat laggy and difficult to navigate. The Highlander also offers more standard features than the Compass, such as heated front seats, a power liftgate, and a panoramic sunroof.

Fuel Efficiency: Sipping Gas or Gulping It Down

Fuel efficiency is a key consideration for many SUV buyers, especially in today’s rising gas prices. The Toyota Highlander hybrid powertrain delivers impressive fuel economy, achieving up to 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The Highlander’s V6 engine is less fuel-efficient, returning up to 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

The Jeep Compass‘s base engine offers decent fuel economy, achieving up to 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. However, the turbocharged engine is less fuel-efficient, returning up to 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

Value: Bang for Your Buck

The Toyota Highlander and Jeep Compass offer a lot of value for the money, but the Highlander has a slight edge in this area. It offers more standard features, a more refined interior, and better fuel efficiency than the Compass. The Highlander also has a higher resale value, making it a wiser investment in the long run.

The Jeep Compass is a more affordable option, but it sacrifices some features and refinement to achieve its lower price point. However, it offers good off-road capability and a rugged design that appeals to adventure-seekers.

The Verdict: Deciding the Champion

After a thorough comparison, the Toyota Highlander emerges as the winner in this head-to-head matchup. It offers a more powerful and efficient powertrain, a more spacious and refined interior, and a better overall value proposition. The Highlander is the better choice for those who prioritize comfort, fuel efficiency, and versatility.

The Jeep Compass, on the other hand, is a more affordable option with good off-road capability and a rugged design. It is the better choice for those who need a more affordable SUV with some off-road capability and don’t mind sacrificing some comfort and refinement.

Questions You May Have

1. Which SUV has better fuel efficiency, the Toyota Highlander or Jeep Compass?

• The Toyota Highlander hybrid powertrain offers better fuel efficiency than the Jeep Compass, achieving up to 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

2. Which SUV has more cargo space, the Toyota Highlander or Jeep Compass?

• The Toyota Highlander offers more cargo space than the Jeep Compass, with 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats and 84.3 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down. The Compass offers 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

3. Which SUV has a higher towing capacity, the Toyota Highlander or Jeep Compass?

• The Toyota Highlander has a higher towing capacity than the Jeep Compass, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, compared to the Compass’s maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.